Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank are observing a solemn Eid al-Adha as Israeli military actions continue unabated over eight months into the conflict.

In the blockaded territory, where over 37,000 Palestinians have perished, communities gathered amid the ruins to offer prayers on Sunday.

The Israeli forces aggressively attacked western Rafah, advancing with their ground offensive into the southernmost parts, and struck various central Gaza areas.

“These assaults have led to further internal displacement; in northern Gaza, inhabitants are not only dodging unpredictable bombings and home attacks but also facing spreading dehydration and hunger,” reported Al Jazeera’s Hani Mahmoud from Deir el-Balah in central Gaza.

“This Eid sees hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians, many mourning their losses.”

Al Jazeera’s Tareq Abu Azzoum, also reporting from Deir el-Balah, mentioned that Palestinians are striving to hold on to hope.

“Despite the continuous Israeli aggression, Palestinians are doing their utmost to bring joy to children, many of whom are celebrating Eid without their parents.”

The Government Media Office in Gaza stated late on Saturday that Israel is barring the entry of sacrificial animals through all crossings, hindering Palestinians from performing Eid al-Adha rituals.

On Sunday, the Israeli military announced a "local, tactical pause" in military activity on a specific route from 8am to 7pm daily to facilitate aid delivery through the Karem Abu Salem (Kerem Shalom) crossing.

However, the army clarified that combat operations would persist in southern Gaza and that there would be "no cessation of hostilities."

This pause was criticized as "delusional" by far-right Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, especially after 10 Israeli soldiers were killed on Saturday, the deadliest day for Israel since January.

Restrictions on Al-Aqsa Mosque

In Jerusalem, Israeli forces intensified measures against Palestinians trying to observe Eid al-Adha at Al-Aqsa Mosque, enacting strict entry restrictions and attacking worshippers.

According to the Wafa news agency, about 40,000 individuals managed to enter the mosque for prayers, while many were left to pray outside the gates after being denied entry.

Additionally, Israeli forces created disruptions in Ramallah, setting up checkpoints and stopping vehicles.

Two senior UN officials in Lebanon cautioned against the “very real” risk of miscalculation leading to a broader conflict, as border skirmishes between the Israeli military and Hezbollah have escalated since the Gaza war began.

“As communities in Lebanon and worldwide observe Eid al-Adha, the UN family urges all actors along the Blue Line to lay down their arms and pursue a path of peace,” the officials said in a joint statement.